The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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Mounjaro Cost Rise — What You Need to Know
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) costs have increased across both NHS and private prescriptions in the UK, raising questions about affordability and access. Understanding your options — whether through NHS specialist services or private prescription — is essential when considering this weight management treatment. This guide explains the cost landscape, eligibility criteria, and what to expect at each dose level.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
Private Mounjaro Costs in the UK
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro vary significantly by dose and provider. At the starting dose of 2.5 mg, you can expect to pay approximately £129–£159 per KwikPen (four weeks supply). As you escalate through dose titration — moving from 5 mg through to the maximum 15 mg — costs increase proportionally, ranging from £180–£320+ per month depending on your dose and the online pharmacy you choose.
- 2.5 mg (starting dose): ~£129–£159 per pen
- 5–7.5 mg (early escalation): ~£180–£220 per pen
- 10–15 mg (maintenance doses): ~£240–£320+ per pen
Costs have risen due to increased manufacturer pricing and rising demand. Most private online consultations cost £20–£50 separately. Always compare GPhC-registered pharmacies — prices and consultation fees vary. Your prescriber will assess your mounjaro eligibility UK based on BMI and health conditions before issuing a prescription. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand against NHS thresholds before your consultation.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS vs Private Access Routes
NHS access involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP, but availability is patchy across regions and waiting lists can stretch months or years. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but funding decisions and capacity vary by Integrated Care Board (ICB). Private access is faster — online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by prescription dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy, typically within days.
The NHS route is free at point of use but heavily constrained. The private route costs money but offers immediate access without referral delays. Many people use private provision while on NHS waiting lists, or choose private for speed. Both routes require a clinical assessment confirming mounjaro vs wegovy suitability and checking for contraindications. Your progress can be tracked using our free progress tracker — important whether on NHS or private treatment.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Why have Mounjaro costs risen in the UK?
Manufacturer pricing increases, growing global demand, and supply pressures have driven costs up. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, has raised prices reflecting production and distribution costs. Private pharmacies adjust prices accordingly. NHS costs are negotiated centrally but still subject to pricing decisions.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS in 2024–2025?
Yes, NICE approved tirzepatide for NHS weight management services. However, availability depends on your regional ICB and tier 3 service capacity. Many regions have long waiting lists. Ask your GP about NHS options in your area — don't assume it's unavailable.
How much does a private Mounjaro prescription cost in total?
A starting course (2.5 mg for four weeks) costs around £129–£159 plus £20–£50 for the online consultation — approximately £150–£210 total to begin. Escalating through dose titration over 20 weeks costs roughly £2,000–£3,500 total depending on final maintenance dose.
Can I switch from private to NHS Mounjaro once approved?
Yes, in principle. If your GP refers you to NHS services and you're approved, you can transition to NHS provision. However, the process varies by region. Discuss this with your GP or NHS provider — some continuity issues may arise during handover.
What's included in the private consultation cost?
An online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber typically includes a health history review, BMI and eligibility assessment, contraindication screening, and prescription issue. Follow-up consultations may be charged separately. Always confirm what's included before booking.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.